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Bluetick Coonhound vs Norfolk Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bluetick Coonhound vs Norfolk Terrier

You’re probably not comparing a Bluetick Coonhound and a Norfolk Terrier unless you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of “dog with a loud bark and zero personal space issues.” On paper, they share energy and a nose for trouble, but that’s where the family reunion ends. One’s built for tracking raccoons through swampy backwoods all night, the other for popping out of fox holes in the English countryside with a grin and a yip. The Bluetick is a big, rangy hound, 80 pounds of determination wrapped in a mottled blue coat. He’s smart and loyal, but his brain is wired for scent, not obedience. You’ll love his devotion if you’re hunting or hiking 10 miles a day, but don’t expect him to settle in a studio apartment. He’ll bay at deer at 3 a.m., track chipmunks through your neighbor’s yard, and slobber on your couch like it’s his job. Kids? He won’t hurt them on purpose, but his size and single-mindedness make him a poor fit for chaotic family homes. The Norfolk Terrier, meanwhile, is a 12-pound firecracker with a wiry coat and a heart bigger than your backyard. He’s fearless, affectionate, and actually wants to be near you. on the couch, on walks, in your suitcase. He’ll bark at the mailman, the squirrel, and his own shadow, but he adapts to city life way better. Just keep him leashed. he’ll chase anything that moves. Here’s the real talk: the Bluetick thrives when he has a job and space. The Norfolk thrives when he’s part of your daily rhythm. Pick the hound if you live on acreage and love the woods. Pick the terrier if you want a tiny, tenacious shadow who fits in your carry-on. One’s a pickup truck with ears, the other’s a pocket-sized adrenaline shot. Choose your adventure.

Bluetick Coonhound
Norfolk Terrier
21–27 in
Height
9–10 in
45–80 lb
Weight
11–12 lb
11–12 yr
Lifespan
12–16 yr
$0.8–2.0k
Puppy price
$2.0–4.5k
#130
AKC popularity
#126

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bluetick Coonhound Norfolk Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Norfolk Terrier is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Norfolk
Good with Young Children
Norfolk Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Norfolk
Good with Other Dogs
Bluetick Coonhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Bluetick
Good with Strangers
Norfolk Terrier is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Norfolk
Watchdog / Protective
Norfolk Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Norfolk
The verdict

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…

  • Active people
  • Hunters
  • Rural homes
  • You value good with other dogsBluetick Coonhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norfolk Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Apartment or small home living
  • Families with older children
  • You value affectionate w/ familyNorfolk Terrier scores higher here.
Bluetick Coonhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bluetick Coonhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Norfolk Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norfolk Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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